In the second quarter of 2003, Macau's local population numbered 444,000 inhabitants. Population density is over 16,000/km2, and the northern part of the peninsula of Macau is regarded as one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

Macau's population has undergone rapid demographic growth over the last two decades, increasing at an annual rate of around 4%. There is also an impressive flow of people in and out of the territory with an average 20,000 passengers entering Macau via the Outer Harbour ferry terminal each day while around 50,000 people cross the Border Gate Checkpoint at the border with mainland China. A total of 25 million annual people-flow are recorded.

Macau is an open, varied city and this is reflected in its demographic breakdown. 52% of the total population are female. 20% of Macau residents are under 14 years of age, and 72.3% are aged between 15 and 64. 7.7% of the population are over 65 years old. Average life span for both sexes is over 78 years old, the longest in Asia after Japan.

Over 96% of Macau's population speak Chinese and Portuguese is spoken by around 2%. Cantonese is the dialect most commonly used in everyday dealings but Mandarin is also widely spoken. Fujianese is another Chinese dialect that is commonly heard in Macau.

Over 80% of Macau's population have lived in the territory for over ten years. 45% of the population were born in Macau and another 45% were born in Mainland China while less than 10% of residents are from other places